Integrated wireless display and remote configuration transmitter

ABSTRACT

A system including a field device, a power interface, a short-range wireless transceiver, and at least one processor. The field device is configured to obtain measurements of one or more process variables in an industrial process control and automation system. The power interface is configured to provide 4-20 ma current to the apparatus and the field device. The short-range wireless transceiver is configured to transmit and receive the measurements. The at least one processor is configured to receive, from one or more other devices, a request for access to the measurements and transmit, to the one or more other devices, the measurements.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to industrial measurement systems.More specifically, this disclosure relates to an apparatus and methodfor an integrated wireless display and remote configuration transmitter.

BACKGROUND

Process plants are often managed using industrial process control andautomation systems. Conventional control and automation systemsroutinely include a variety of networked devices, such as servers,workstations, switches, routers, firewalls, safety systems, proprietaryreal-time controllers, and industrial field devices. Often times, forexample, there is a need to have multiple measurement stations atdifferent inlet points of a gas pipeline. Due to the cost andcomplexity, constraints on the number of measurement stations may resultin the number of possible stations to be limited.

One or more embodiments of this disclosures recognizes and takes intoaccount that local human-machine interfaces (HMI) found on industrialfield devices, mostly on transmitters (pressure, temperature, level,flow) are monochrome due to the power restrictions in the device. Thesedevices are not as easy to read compared to more sophisticated HMI'sthat make prudent use of color. HMI's on these devices are typicallysmall, and can be difficult to read. HMI's on these devices can beintegral to the field device (that is, they are located with the sensingcomponents of the device). As such, the HMI's are sometimes in a lessthan convenient location for a person to access. In addition, data entrymethods from a local HMI can be limited, such as having a fewpushbuttons.

SUMMARY

A first embodiment of this disclosure provides an apparatus. Theapparatus includes a memory element configured to store a device dataassociated with a field device operating in an industrial processcontrol and automation system. The device data includes measurements ofone or more process variables in the industrial process control andautomation system. The apparatus also includes a power interfaceconfigured to provide 4-20 ma current to the apparatus and the fielddevice. The apparatus also includes a short-range wireless transceiverconfigured to transmit and receive the device data. The apparatus alsoincludes least one processor configured to receive, from one or moreother devices, a request for access to the measurements of the devicedata and transmit, to the one or more other devices, the device data.

A second embodiment of this disclosure provides a system including afield device, a short-range wireless transceiver, and at least oneprocessor. The field device is configured to obtain measurements of oneor more process variables in an industrial process control andautomation system. The power interface is configured to provide 4-20 macurrent to the apparatus and the field device. The short-range wirelesstransceiver is configured to transmit and receive the measurements. Atleast one processor is configured to receive, from one or more otherdevices, a request for access to the measurements and transmit, to theone or more other devices, the measurements.

A third embodiment of this disclosure provides a method. The methodincludes providing 4-20 ma current to a field device and a short-rangecommunication unit coupled to the field device in an industrial processcontrol and automation system. The method also includes communicating,by the short-range communication unit coupled to the field device, withone or more other devices. The method also includes receiving, from theone or more other devices, a request for access to the measurements,obtained by the field device, of one or more process variables in theindustrial process control and automation system. The method alsoincludes transmitting, to the one or more other devices, themeasurements.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in theart from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Beforeundertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous toset forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout thispatent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well asderivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,”is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and“associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean toinclude, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be containedwithin, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with,cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to orwith, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller”means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least oneoperation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware orsoftware, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should benoted that the functionality associated with any particular controllermay be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.Definitions for certain words and phrases may be provided throughoutthis patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art shouldunderstand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions applyto prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is nowmade to the following description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example industrial process control and automationsystem according to this disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example device for communicating with a wirelessdisplay device according to this disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example system for remote analysis and control offield devices at a gas pipeline according to this disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an example pressure sensoraccording to this disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process for accessing field deviceinformation in an industrial process control and automation systemaccording to this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present invention in this patent documentare by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any wayto limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the principles of the invention may be implemented inany type of suitably arranged device or system.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example industrial process control and automationsystem 100 according to this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the system100 includes various components that facilitate production or processingof at least one product or other material. For instance, the system 100is used here to facilitate control over components in one or multipleplants 101 a-101 n. Each plant 101 a-101 n represents one or moreprocessing facilities (or one or more portions thereof), such as one ormore manufacturing facilities for producing at least one product orother material. In general, each plant 101 a-101 n may implement one ormore processes and can individually or collectively be referred to as aprocess system. A process system generally represents any system orportion thereof configured to process one or more products or othermaterials in some manner.

In FIG. 1, the system 100 is implemented using the Purdue model ofprocess control. In the Purdue model, “Level 0” may include one or moresensors 102 a and one or more actuators 102 b, which collectively may bereferred to as field devices as used herein. In one example, the devicescan be field mounted, subject to weather conditions outdoor. In anotherexample, the devices can be panel-mounted devices that are mountedindoors on a wall panel. The sensors 102 a and actuators 102 b representcomponents in a process system that may perform any of a wide variety offunctions.

The sensors 102 a and actuators 102 b can each include device data 103.The device data 103 can include one or more measurements 105 for aplurality of process variables and at least one configuration 107. Forexample, the sensors 102 a could take the measurements 105 of a widevariety of characteristics in the process system, such as temperature,pressure, or flow rate. The measurement data can be live data that isconstantly changing. The device data can also include diagnostic data111 that can provide diagnostics 111 on the field device, such as, forexample, identifying clogged lines. The configuration 107 can include adevice identifier. The device identifier can include a unique name, typeof device, parameters, etc.

Additionally, the actuators 102 b could alter a wide variety ofcharacteristics in the process system. The sensors 102 a and actuators102 b could represent any other or additional components in any suitableprocess system. Each of the sensors 102 a includes any suitablestructure for measuring one or more characteristics in a process system.Each of the actuators 102 b includes any suitable structure foroperating on or affecting one or more conditions in a process system.The configuration 107 can include different settings for the fielddevices 102 a-102 b, such as, how often to record a measurements, setupdata, range limits, alarms, communication preferences, and whatmeasurements to record. At least one network 104 is coupled to thesensors 102 a and actuators 102 b. The network 104 facilitatesinteraction with the sensors 102 a and actuators 102 b. For example, thenetwork 104 could transport measurement data from the sensors 102 a, andprovide control signals to the actuators 102 b. The network 104 couldrepresent any suitable network or combination of networks. As particularexamples, the network 104 could represent an Ethernet network, anelectrical signal network (such as a HART or FOUNDATION FIELDBUS (FF)network), a pneumatic control signal network, or any other or additionaltype(s) of network(s).

In the Purdue model, “Level 1” may include one or more controllers 106,which are coupled to the network 104. Among other things, eachcontroller 106 may use the measurements from one or more sensors 102 ato control the operation of one or more actuators 102 b. For example, acontroller 106 could receive measurement data from one or more sensors102 a, and use the measurement data to generate control signals for oneor more actuators 102 b. Each controller 106 includes any suitablestructure for interacting with one or more sensors 102 a, andcontrolling one or more actuators 102 b. Each controller 106 couldrepresent, for example, a proportional-integral-derivative (PID)controller or a multivariable controller, such as a Robust MultivariablePredictive Control Technology (RMPCT) controller or other type ofcontroller implementing model predictive control (MPC) or other advancedpredictive control (APC). As a particular example, each controller 106could represent a computing device running a real-time operating system.

Two networks 108 are coupled to the controllers 106. The networks 108facilitate interaction with the controllers 106, such as by transportingdata to and from the controllers 106. The networks 108 could representany suitable networks or combination of networks. As a particularexample, the networks 108 could represent a redundant pair of Ethernetnetworks.

At least one switch/firewall 110 couples the networks 108 to twonetworks 112. The switch/firewall 110 may transport traffic from onenetwork to another. The switch/firewall 110 may also block traffic onone network from reaching another network. The switch/firewall 110includes any suitable structure for providing communication betweennetworks, such as a HONEYWELL CONTROL FIREWALL (CF9) device. Thenetworks 112 could represent any suitable networks, such as an FTEnetwork.

In the Purdue model, “Level 2” may include one or more machine-levelcontrollers 114 coupled to the networks 112. The machine-levelcontrollers 114 perform various functions to support the operation andcontrol of the controllers 106, sensors 102 a, and actuators 102 b,which could be associated with a particular piece of industrialequipment (such as a boiler or other machine). For example, themachine-level controllers 114 could log information collected orgenerated by the controllers 106, such as measurement data from thesensors 102 a, or control signals for the actuators 102 b. Themachine-level controllers 114 could also execute applications thatcontrol the operation of the controllers 106, thereby controlling theoperation of the actuators 102 b. In addition, the machine-levelcontrollers 114 could provide secure access to the controllers 106. Eachof the machine-level controllers 114 includes any suitable structure forproviding access to, control of, or operations related to a machine orother individual piece of equipment. Each of the machine-levelcontrollers 114 could, for example, represent a server computing devicerunning a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. Although not shown,different machine-level controllers 114 could be used to controldifferent pieces of equipment in a process system (where each piece ofequipment is associated with one or more controllers 106, sensors 102 a,and actuators 102 b).

One or more operator stations 116 are coupled to the networks 112. Theoperator stations 116 represent computing or communication devicesproviding user access to the machine-level controllers 114, which couldthen provide user access to the controllers 106 (and possibly thesensors 102 a and actuators 102 b). As particular examples, the operatorstations 116 could allow users to review the operational history of thesensors 102 a and actuators 102 b using information collected by thecontrollers 106 and/or the machine-level controllers 114. The operatorstations 116 could also allow the users to adjust the operation of thesensors 102 a, actuators 102 b, controllers 106, or machine-levelcontrollers 114. In addition, the operator stations 116 could receiveand display warnings, alerts, or other messages or displays generated bythe controllers 106 or the machine-level controllers 114. Each of theoperator stations 116 includes any suitable structure for supportinguser access and control of one or more components in the system 100.Each of the operator stations 116 could represent, for example, acomputing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.

At least one router/firewall 118 couples the networks 112 to twonetworks 120. The router/firewall 118 includes any suitable structurefor providing communication between networks, such as a secure router orcombination router/firewall. The networks 120 could represent anysuitable networks, such as an FTE network.

In the Purdue model, “Level 3” may include one or more unit-levelcontrollers 122 coupled to the networks 120. Each unit-level controller122 is typically associated with a unit in a process system, whichrepresents a collection of different machines operating together toimplement at least part of a process. The unit-level controllers 122perform various functions to support the operation and control ofcomponents in the lower levels. For example, the unit-level controllers122 could log information collected or generated by the components inthe lower levels, execute applications that control the components inthe lower levels, and provide secure access to the components in thelower levels. Each of the unit-level controllers 122 includes anysuitable structure for providing access to, control of, or operationsrelated to one or more machines or other pieces of equipment in aprocess unit. Each of the unit-level controllers 122 could, for example,represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWSoperating system. Although not shown, different unit-level controllers122 could be used to control different units in a process system (whereeach unit is associated with one or more machine-level controllers 114,controllers 106, sensors 102 a, and actuators 102 b).

Access to the unit-level controllers 122 may be provided by one or moreoperator stations 124. Each of the operator stations 124 includes anysuitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or morecomponents in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 124 couldrepresent, for example, a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWSoperating system.

At least one router/firewall 126 couples the networks 120 to twonetworks 128. The router/firewall 126 includes any suitable structurefor providing communication between networks, such as a secure router orcombination router/firewall. The networks 128 could represent anysuitable networks, such as an FTE network.

In the Purdue model, “Level 4” may include one or more plant-levelcontrollers 130 coupled to the networks 128. Each plant-level controller130 is typically associated with one of the plants 101 a-101 n, whichmay include one or more process units that implement the same, similar,or different processes. The plant-level controllers 130 perform variousfunctions to support the operation and control of components in thelower levels. As particular examples, the plant-level controller 130could execute one or more manufacturing execution system (MES)applications, scheduling applications, or other or additional plant orprocess control applications. Each of the plant-level controllers 130includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, oroperations related to one or more process units in a process plant. Eachof the plant-level controllers 130 could, for example, represent aserver computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.

Access to the plant-level controllers 130 may be provided by one or moreoperator stations 132. Each of the operator stations 132 includes anysuitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or morecomponents in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 132 couldrepresent, for example, a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWSoperating system.

At least one router/firewall 134 couples the networks 128 to one or morenetworks 136. The router/firewall 134 includes any suitable structurefor providing communication between networks, such as a secure router orcombination router/firewall. The network 136 could represent anysuitable network, such as an enterprise-wide Ethernet or other networkor all or a portion of a larger network (such as the Internet).

In the Purdue model, “Level 5” may include one or more enterprise-levelcontrollers 138 coupled to the network 136. Each enterprise-levelcontroller 138 is typically able to perform planning operations formultiple plants 101 a-101 n and to control various aspects of the plants101 a-101 n. The enterprise-level controllers 138 can also performvarious functions to support the operation and control of components inthe plants 101 a-101 n. As particular examples, the enterprise-levelcontroller 138 could execute one or more order processing applications,enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications, advanced planning andscheduling (APS) applications, or any other or additional enterprisecontrol applications. Each of the enterprise-level controllers 138includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, oroperations related to the control of one or more plants. Each of theenterprise-level controllers 138 could, for example, represent a servercomputing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. In thisdocument, the term “enterprise” refers to an organization having one ormore plants or other processing facilities to be managed. Note that if asingle plant 101 a is to be managed, the functionality of theenterprise-level controller 138 could be incorporated into theplant-level controller 130.

Access to the enterprise-level controllers 138 may be provided by one ormore enterprise desktops (also referred to as operator stations) 140.Each of the enterprise desktops 140 includes any suitable structure forsupporting user access and control of one or more components in thesystem 100. Each of the enterprise desktops 140 could represent, forexample, a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operatingsystem.

Various levels of the Purdue model can include other components, such asone or more databases. The database(s) associated with each level couldstore any suitable information associated with that level or one or moreother levels of the system 100. For example, a historian 141 can becoupled to the network 136. The historian 141 could represent acomponent that stores various information about the system 100. Thehistorian 141 could store, for instance, information used duringproduction scheduling and optimization. The historian 141 represents anysuitable structure for storing and facilitating retrieval ofinformation. Although shown as a single centralized component coupled tothe network 136, the historian 141 could be located elsewhere in thesystem 100, or multiple historians could be distributed in differentlocations in the system 100.

In particular embodiments, the various controllers and operator stationsin FIG. 1 may represent computing devices. For example, each of thecontrollers 106, 114, 122, 130, and 138 could include one or moreprocessing devices 142 and one or more memories 144 for storinginstructions and data used, generated, or collected by the processingdevice(s) 142. Each of the controllers 106, 114, 122, 130, and 138 couldalso include at least one network interface 146, such as one or moreEthernet interfaces or wireless transceivers. In addition, each of theoperator stations 116, 124, 132, and 140 could include one or moreprocessing devices 148 and one or more memories 150 for storinginstructions and data used, generated, or collected by the processingdevice(s) 148. Each of the operator stations 116, 124, 132, and 140could also include at least one network interface 152, such as one ormore Ethernet interfaces or wireless transceivers.

In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, sensor 102 a and actuator102 b are coupled to transmitters 109 a and 109 b, respectively.Transmitters 109 can be near field or short-range wireless transmittersdesigned for use with sensors 102 a and actuators 102 b in the processindustry to transmit device data 102 including certain critical processvariables like pressure, temperature, level, flow, energy, and the like.The measurement 105 can be obtained from sensors on a pipeline, tank,etc. The transmitters 109 are loop-powered devices powered by a 4-20 macurrent loop. The transmitters 109 could include a transceiver and areconfigured to send and receive wireless signals.

Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device160, such as a transmitter or cellular modem, which connects to eachsensors 102 a and actuators 102 b through transmitters 109 a and 109 b,respectively. In one embodiment, one communication device 160 mayconnect to multiple sensors 102 a and actuators 102 b. In otherembodiments, a communication device may only connect to a single sensoror actuator.

The communication device 160 collects device data 103 in the form ofdiagnostics messages, error logs, customer configuration data, andconfiguration history data from one or more of the sensors 102 a andactuators 102 b. The communication device 160 connects the sensors 102 aand actuators 102 b through a wireless connection. In one embodiment,the communication device 160 includes more than one wirelesscommunication interface. In different examples, the communication device160 may communicate with the sensors 102 a and actuators 102 b through anear-field or short-range wireless communication protocol, such as, forexample, Bluetooth, radio frequency identification, ONE WIRELESSprotocol, wireless HART, etc.

In one example embodiment, the transmitters 109 provide a broadcast fordiscovery by the communication device 160. In an example embodiment, thebroadcast can be continuous, substantially continuous, or periodic. Thebroadcast can be of the device identifier, such as a unique name, oreven only a type of device. The broadcast can also include customizedinformation, such as a location. In one example embodiment, thebroadcast is transmitted without being requested. In another example,the transmitters 109 provide device information, such as identification,when requested by a communication device 160.

The communication device 160 may communicate the device data 103received from the sensors 102 a and actuators 102 b over an Internetconnection and update all of this information into a remote server 164with the device serial number. Any suitable technology to store and sortthis data on the host, such as cloud computing, can be used.

In one embodiment, the communications between the field devices andcommunication device 160 can be encrypted. In another example,authentication is conducted on the communication device 160 to determinewhether the communication device 160 has proper access to the fielddevice.

The communication device 160 communicates over a network 162 with theremote server 164. The network 162 generally represents any suitablecommunication network(s) outside the system 100 (and therefore out ofthe control of the owners/operators of the system 100). The network 162could represent the Internet, a cellular communication network, or othernetwork or combination of networks.

The embodiments of this disclosure recognize and take into account that,in some systems, handheld devices are physically wired to the fielddevice via a pair or wires that are hand “clipped” onto the terminals ofthe field device. To do this the field tech must remove a cover or capfrom the field device to expose these terminals to get the handheldconnected. When done servicing a device, the field tech must reversethis process by removing the clips and ensuring they do not disrupt thefield wires to the host system, and then put the cover/cap back onsufficiently tight to keep moisture or other contaminants out of thefield device's internals.

In one embodiment, the field devices 102 operate at a pipeline 159. Thepipeline 159 can transport a material, such as a liquid or gas. Thepipeline 159 can therefore be a liquid pipeline, gas pipeline, or othertype of pipeline. The field devices 102 may be configured to takemeasurements 105 of the pipeline 159 or the material in the pipeline159. The field devices 102 may also be configured to affect the flow ofgas or liquid in the pipeline through actuators. In other embodiments,the field devices operate at a tank, or other component in the system100.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an industrial process controland automation system 100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. Forexample, a control and automation system could include any number ofsensors, actuators, controllers, operator stations, networks, servers,communication devices, and other components. In addition, the makeup andarrangement of the system 100 in FIG. 1 is for illustration only.Components could be added, omitted, combined, further subdivided, orplaced in any other suitable configuration according to particularneeds. Further, particular functions have been described as beingperformed by particular components of the system 100. This is forillustration only. In general, control and automation systems are highlyconfigurable and can be configured in any suitable manner according toparticular needs. In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates an example environmentin which information related to an industrial process control andautomation system can be transmitted to a remote server. Thisfunctionality can be used in any other suitable system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example device for communicating with a wirelessdisplay device according to this disclosure. The device 200 couldrepresent, for example, the field devices 102 or the transmitter 109attached to the field device in the system 100 of FIG. 1. However, thedevice 200 could be implemented using any other suitable device orsystem.

As shown in FIG. 2, the device 200 includes a bus system 202, whichsupports communication between at least one processing device 204, atleast one storage device 206, at least one communications unit 208, andat least one input/output (I/O) unit 210. The processing device 204executes instructions that may be loaded into a memory 212. Theprocessing device 204 may include any suitable number(s) and type(s) ofprocessors or other devices in any suitable arrangement. Example typesof processing devices 204 include microprocessors, microcontrollers,digital signal processors, field programmable gate arrays, applicationspecific integrated circuits, and discrete circuitry.

The memory 212 and a persistent storage 214 are examples of storagedevices 206, which represent any structure(s) capable of storing andfacilitating retrieval of information (such as data, program code,and/or other suitable information on a temporary or permanent basis).The memory 212 may represent a random access memory or any othersuitable volatile or non-volatile storage device(s). The persistentstorage 214 may contain one or more components or devices supportinglonger-term storage of data, such as a ready only memory, hard drive,Flash memory, or optical disc.

The communications unit 208 supports communications with other systemsor devices. For example, the communications unit 208 could include anetwork interface that facilitates communications over at least oneshort-range or near-field communications, such as, for example,Bluetooth, Ethernet, HART, FOUNDATION FIELDBUS, cellular, Wi-Fi,universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), serial peripheralinterface (SPI) or other network. The communications unit 208 could alsoinclude a wireless transceiver facilitating communications over at leastone wireless network. The communications unit 208 may supportcommunications through any suitable physical or wireless communicationlink(s). The communications unit 208 may support communications throughmultiple different interfaces, or may be representative of multiplecommunication units with the ability to communication through multipleinterfaces. In one embodiment, the communications unit 208 usesshort-range communications. In another embodiment, the communicationsunit 208 uses long-range communications. The communications unit 208 canbe one example of transmitters 109 a or 109 b in FIG. 1.

The I/O unit 210 allows for input and output of data. For example, theI/O unit 210 may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard,mouse, keypad, touchscreen, or other suitable input device. The I/O unit210 may also send output to a display, printer, or other suitable outputdevice. In another example embodiment, the I/O unit 210 interfaces withdifferent sensor or actuator components.

The device 200 could execute instructions used to perform any of thefunctions associated with the field device 102. For example, the device200 could execute instructions that upload device data 103 to and from acommunications unit of a communication device 160.

The power interface 216 supplies power to the different components ofdevice 200. For example, power interface 216 could be a 4-20 ma currentloop that supplies power to a sensor and transmitter coupled to thesensor.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a device 200, various changesmay be made to FIG. 2. For example, components could be added, omitted,combined, further subdivided, or placed in any other suitableconfiguration according to particular needs. In addition, computingdevices can come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 2 doesnot limit this disclosure to any particular configuration of computingdevice.

The embodiments of this disclosure recognize and take into account thatcurrent pressure sensors use directly mounted displays to show the dataand local buttons to use for configuration. The local display can onlyshow simple data and limited information, and is often not convenient toread as the size is small and there is no backlight because of powerlimitations. Local buttons also can be difficult to operate, as theoperator may need to take high risk if the device is installed at adangerous place, such as a high tower or a deep well.

The embodiments of this disclosure provide a wireless interface for thepressure sensor. Wireless displays or industry mobile devices can showgraphic process parameters, configurations and even large data analysisof the pressure sensor. Through this platform, the user can integratedifferent application programming protocols to enrich data processcapability and improve user experience.

The embodiments herein provide a method for a field device tocommunicate via a wireless connection to a mobile device that alsoallows the mobile device to retransmit data from the field to a centralsystem or up to the cloud in a more efficient manner than conventionfield device protocols provide. Using mobile devices allows otherapplications to be developed for more local data analytics in the fieldand allows the field tech to use the more versatile mobile devicesrather than single purpose field device handheld configuration devices.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example system 300 for analysis and control offield devices at a gas pipeline according to this disclosure. For easeof explanation, the system 300 is described as being supported by theindustrial process control and automation system 100 of FIG. 1. However,the system 300 could be supported by any other suitable system.

In FIG. 3, system 300 includes a sensor 102 a, display device 304, andmobile device 306. The sensor 102 a includes a housing 301, cap 302, anda visual indicator 303. The visual indicator 303 can be a light, such asa light emitting diode, or a display. The visual indicator 303 canilluminate in response to communications or coupling to the displaydevice 304 or the mobile device 306. The housing 301 can seal the visualindicator 303 at the cap 302 or around the body. The visual indicator303 helps an operator identify a position of the sensor 102 a whenreceiving the device data from the sensor 102 a or when the operator ischanging the configuration. The visual indicator 303 can includedifferent patterns or colors to indicate whether data is beingtransmitted or received or if there are configuration changes being madeto the sensor 102 a. In another example embodiment, the visual indicator303 can indicate to a field technician which field device has a criticalor non-critical diagnostics present versus sensors that do not have anydiagnostics to report.

In one example embodiment, the sensor 102 a does not include any displayor screen. In this example, only a visual indicator, such as a lightemitting diode (LED) exists on the sensor 102 a. In another example, nolights or visual indicators of any type exist on the sensor 102 a. Oneor more embodiments of this disclosure provide removing the localdisplay, allowing the field device enclosure to be smaller, lighterweight, less material for less cost, increasing reliability (lesscomponents to fail). The embodiments herein allow a device developer toexpress device parameters, conditions, and diagnostics in a moreintuitively, which can lead to field technician safety and productivitygains.

In one or more embodiments, the sensor 102 a may communicate with thedisplay device 304 and mobile device 306 through a short-range wirelesscommunication interface. When the display device 304 and mobile device306 connect to the sensor 102 a, the display device 304 and mobiledevice 306 retrieve device data 103 from the sensor 102 a.

In an example embodiment, the display device 304 and mobile device 306are examples of communication unit 160 of FIG. 1. In an example, mobiledevice 306 can be a cellular phone, laptop, tablet PC, etc. In anotherexample, display device 304 can be a remote monitoring unit. The displaydevice 304 and mobile device 306 can keep the record of the entiredevice configuration. The display device 304 and mobile device 306 cantrack each configuration change in the sensor 102 a. The display device304 and mobile device 306 can monitor the firmware version compatibilityand perform a regular firmware upgrade check. The display device 304 andmobile device 306 can also monitor diagnostics, service life, and anyalarm conditions of the sensor 102 a. The display device 304 and mobiledevice 306 can use a wireless interface to communicate with the network162 of FIG. 1.

In different example embodiments, the sensor 102 a is a pressure sensor,temperature sensor, gas chromatograph, an ultrasonic sensor, or acontrol valve. The device data 103 of the field devices 302-310 caninclude measurements from a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, gaschromatograph, ultrasonic sensors, and control valve.

The sensor 102 a can include an electronic gas flow computer. Electronicgas flow computers are microprocessor-based computing devices used tomeasure and control natural gas streams. There is a variety ofconfigurations available from dedicated (integrated) single boardcomputers to PLC-based multi-run (hybrid) systems. Flow computers canperform multiple functions, including computation of volumetric flow ofmeasured fluid, logging measured and computed data, transmitting realtime and historical data to a central location, and performing automatedcontrol of the site based on measured values.

The display device 304 and mobile device 306 can greatly improve thefield operation of the sensor 102 a. Operators do not need to climb tohigh places or struggle to reach a difficult position to see the displayand do the zero and span adjust. By adjusting both zero and span, we mayset the instrument for any range of measurement within themanufacturer's limits.

Supply power from a 4-20 mA current loop can improve power efficiencythrough a DC-DC convertor. This device can be compatible with currentindustry networks without the maintenance cost of a battery. Anintegrated modular design avoids exposure of electronics to theenvironment that may affect signal connection, and reduces the devicecost.

Through the wireless interface, the display device 304 and mobile device306 can integrate more functions for configuration or calculation in afield area. The display device 304 and mobile device 306 can show richcontents such as graphics and data. The sensor 102 a can even use thirdparty developed application programming protocols to drive adoption.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a system 300, various changesmay be made to FIG. 3. For example, components could be added, omitted,combined, further subdivided, or placed in any other suitableconfiguration according to particular needs. In addition, systems foranalysis and control of field devices at a gas pipeline can come in awide variety of configurations, and FIG. 3 does not limit thisdisclosure to any particular configuration of this system.

FIG. 4 illustrates an expanded view of an example sensor 102 a accordingto this disclosure. For ease of explanation, the sensor 102 a isdescribed as being supported by the industrial process control andautomation system 100 of FIG. 1. However, the sensor 102 a could besupported by any other suitable system. Additionally, in other exampleembodiments, the sensor could be a pressure sensor, temperature sensor,gas chromatograph, ultrasonic sensors, or control valve.

In FIG. 4, the sensor 102 a includes an antenna 401, a cap 402, a visualindicator 404, a printed wiring assembly (PWA) 406, a seal 408, aterminal 410, and a connector 412. The cap 402, terminal 410, andconnector 412 can be arranged together to form a housing. In oneexample, the housing has a single cavity.

In one example embodiment, this single cavity can include the PWA 406with bolt and seal components 408 (such as O-ring, etc.) to isolate thePWA 406 from the terminal 410 or sensor components of the terminal.Isolating the PWA 406 reduces a risk of electronics corrosion when auser opens the sensor 102 a for transceiver maintenance.

The PWA 406 can include a wireless interface, such as the communicationscomponent 208 of FIG. 2. In one example, the wireless interface can beflameproof. The wireless interface includes a wireless function moduleto communicate with another wireless device. A configuration command canalso be received through the wireless interface, which can perform thefunctions of a local button. In one embodiment, the PWA 406 can bepowered by a 4-20 mA current loop.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process 500 for accessing field deviceinformation in an industrial process control and automation systemaccording to this disclosure. A processing device, such as a controller,processor, or processing circuitry, can implement different operationsin FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, at operation 502, a processing device is configuredto provide a 4-20 ma current to a field device and a communication unitcoupled to the field device in an industrial process control andautomation system.

At step 504, the processing device is configured to communicate with oneor more other devices. This can include the processing device using atransceiver coupled to a field device. The field device could be asensor 102 a or actuator 102 b in FIG. 1. In one example, field deviceis a sensor operating at a pipeline transporting a material in anindustrial process control and automation system. The field devicescould measure a wide variety of characteristics and process variables inthe process system, such as temperature, pressure, or flow rate. In oneexample embodiment, the devices communicate over a wired interface usingone of a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi protocol. The other device can be a displaydevice, a mobile device, or a combination thereof.

At operation 506, the processing device is configured to receive, fromthe one or more other devices, a request for access to the measurements,obtained by the field device, of one or more process variables in theindustrial process control and automation system. The process variablescan be associated with the pipeline and the material in the pipelineobtained by the field device. The device can also receive changes to aconfiguration of the device.

At operation 508, the processing device is configured to transmit, tothe one or more other devices, the measurements. Once the device data isreceived by the other devices, the other devices may performcalculations based on the device data, such as, for example, thevolumetric flow of the gas. Based on these computations andcalculations, the processing device can determine actions to be taken onother field devices along the gas pipeline. In one or more embodiments,device computations can be performed at a remote place, such as theserver 164. In this manner, physical meters can be replaced with softmeters. The different computation instances can be reused across apipeline. The other devices can also display the data for an operator toreview while communicating with the field device and allowing theoperator to make configuration changes at that time.

Although FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a process 500 for accessingfield device information in an industrial process control and automationsystem, various changes may be made to FIG. 5. For example, while FIG. 5shows a series of steps, various steps could overlap, occur in parallel,occur in a different order, or occur any number of times. In addition,the process 500 could include any number of events, event informationretrievals, and notifications.

In some embodiments, various functions described in this patent documentare implemented or supported by a computer program that is formed fromcomputer readable program code and that is embodied in a computerreadable medium. The phrase “computer readable program code” includesany type of computer code, including source code, object code, andexecutable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any typeof medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read onlymemory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compactdisc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A“non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless,optical, or other communication links that transport transitoryelectrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable mediumincludes media where data can be permanently stored and media where datacan be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical discor an erasable memory device.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “application”and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, softwarecomponents, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects,classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted forimplementation in a suitable computer code (including source code,object code, or executable code). The term “communicate,” as well asderivatives thereof, encompasses both direct and indirect communication.The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, meaninclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaningand/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof,may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, becontained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicablewith, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be boundto or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, orthe like. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items,means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items maybe used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “atleast one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations:A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generallyassociated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodimentsand methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the above description of example embodiments does not define orconstrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterationsare also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a memory elementconfigured to store device data associated with a field device operatingin an industrial process control and automation system, the device dataincluding measurements of one or more process variables in theindustrial process control and automation system; a power interfaceconfigured to provide 4-20 ma current to the apparatus and the fielddevice; a short-range wireless transceiver configured to transmit andreceive the device data; and at least one processor configured to:receive, from one or more other devices, a request for access to themeasurements of the device data; and transmit, to the one or more otherdevices, the device data.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: thefield device is a sensor, and the device data includes the measurementsfrom the sensor measuring one or more process variables of a material ina pipeline or tank.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at leastone processor is further configured to: receive, from the one or moreother devices, changes to a configuration of the field device; andperform the changes to the configuration of the field device.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to control the short-range wireless transceiver to broadcastan identification of the field device.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a visual indicator configured to indicate that thefield device is currently being accessed by the one or more otherdevices.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a visualindicator configured to indicate that the field device includesdiagnostics to report.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a seal configured to isolate the memory element, the transceiver, andthe at least one processor from a terminal including pressure sensingcomponents.
 8. A system comprising: a field device configured to obtainmeasurements of one or more process variables in an industrial processcontrol and automation system; a communication unit coupled to the fielddevice, the communication unit including a short-range wirelesstransceiver configured to transmit and receive the measurements; a powerinterface configured to provide 4-20 ma current to the field device andthe communication unit; and at least one processor configured to:receive, from one or more other devices, a request for access to themeasurements; and transmit, to the one or more other devices, themeasurements.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein: the field device is asensor, and the measurements from the sensor measure one or more processvariables of a material in a pipeline or tank.
 10. The system of claim8, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive,from the one or more other devices, changes to a configuration of thefield device; and perform the changes to the configuration of the fielddevice.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor isfurther configured to control the communication unit to broadcast anidentification of the field device.
 12. The system of claim 8, furthercomprising: a visual indicator configured to indicate that the fielddevice is currently being accessed by the one or more other devices. 13.The system of claim 8, further comprising: a visual indicator configuredto indicate that the field device includes diagnostics to report. 14.The system of claim 8, further comprising: a seal configured to isolatethe transceiver and the at least one processor from a terminal includingpressure sensing components.
 15. A method comprising: providing 4-20 macurrent to a field device and a short-range communication unit coupledto the field device in an industrial process control and automationsystem; communicating, by the short-range communication unit coupled tothe field device, with one or more other devices; receiving, from theone or more other devices, a request for access to one or moremeasurements, obtained by the field device, of one or more processvariables in the industrial process control and automation system; andtransmitting, to the one or more other devices, the measurements. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein: the field device is a sensor, and theone or more measurements from the sensor measuring one or more processvariables of a material in a pipeline or tank.
 17. The method of claim15, further comprising: receiving, from the one or more other devices,changes to a configuration of the field device; and performing thechanges to the configuration of the field device.
 18. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising: broadcasting an identification of thefield device.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:indicating, using a visual indicator, that the field device is currentlybeing accessed by the one or more other devices.
 20. The method of claim15, further comprising: indicating, using a visual indicator, that thefield device includes diagnostics to report.